Press Releases for 2004

"Abuse of the Planning System"

21st May 2004

East Kent Green Party is writing to the Chief Executive of Canterbury City Council to voice their concerns over an abuse of the local planning system by members of the Council's Cabinet. About two weeks ago it was announced that the Cabinet had voted to approve the allocation of land south of the New Dover Road for a huge 50 acre business park.

In condemnation of this plan, Emily Shirley says "This was a blatant attempt to by-pass the normal planning procedures. The Leader of the Council invited leading members of the local business community into the committee to give their views on the proposed new business park. No such invitation was given to any group that might have an alternative view. So, of course the plan was approved. There will be almost none of the normal two-year Local Plan period for discussion, revisions and further consultations. Instead local people have just four weeks to write directly to the Inspector about this."

A similar tactic was employed during the last local planning inquiry. In 1996 plans were rushed through to designate some 65 acres of land in Nackington Road for use by Further or Higher educational institutions. The Green Party note that this land has never been used, primarily because of local opposition.

"This proposed new allocation at the old Barton Industrial Estate will be just as unpopular", says Chair of the local Green's Geoff Meaden. "The site is designated as an Area of High Landscape Value and has the highest agricultural grading in the country. If the plan goes ahead it will greatly increase local traffic congestion. And, where will the workers come from? Canterbury has among the lowest unemployment rates in the country so workers will be driving here from Dover and Thanet. Why not site the business park in an area where it is more needed?"

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Geoff Meaden on 01227 456806/01227 767700. Contact address: 33 St.Stephens Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 3JD. Geoff Meaden is a Senior Lecturer in Geography at Canterbury Christchurch College. Published and promoted by Susan Miles, on behalf of the South East Confederation of Green Parties, both at 3 Copse Cottages, Shillingford Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8LQ.

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